The Iron BrigadeComposed of volunteers from Wisconsin and Michigan, the Iron Brigade was a unit know

The Iron BrigadeComposed of volunteers from Wisconsin and Michigan, the Iron Brigade was a unit known particularly for its bravery, fierce fighting skills, and iron solid discipline.  In others words they were the best and toughest of the Union Army.Distinguished from other units with their tall back “hardee hats”, the reputation of the Iron Brigade was certainly well deserved, and legend of their exploits spread throughout the north and south.  Their nickname was given to them by Confederate soldiers, who often commented that “they stood like iron”.  Indeed throughout the entire war the Iron Brigade was never routed, not even when assaulted by the famous Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson by superior forces.  Furthermore, due to their extraordinary toughness the Iron Brigade was often used to assault and capture fortifications and strong points that were otherwise considered impregnable.  The Iron Brigade would take part in almost every battle and campaign in the east.  As their reputation grew, the brigade became the elite shock troops of the Union Army who were given the most difficult and dangerous assignments.  Being the best was not without its price, however.  By the end of the war the Iron Brigade had suffered higher casualties than any other brigade in the Civil War, with each of its regiments suffering casualty rates between 61% and 81%.Throughout the Civil War other units, both north and south, would also be given the name “Iron Brigade”.  Likewise elite units in World War I, World War II, and Korea also adopted the name. -- source link

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